Eucharist not necessary for salvation?

[justingrid]

It’s kind of hard not to mention the Eastern Church when the original poster specifically asks a question about Eastern and Wester practice?

Just to set the record straight…my original post was not on Eastern vs. Western practice; it was Western vs. Early Church practice. The Eastern Rite entered our discussion “via the backdoor”.

As for St. Paul’s point in 1 Cor 11 about discerning the Lord’s Body…it seems to me that in the context, St. Paul’s primary concern is regarding a right judging of the unity of the Church, rather than an introspective understanding of the Eucharist. This is reinforced when comparing verses 29 and 31 where the same Greek word for “discern” and “judge” is used. In light of 1 Cor 10:17, the Eucharist could also be referred to, but in the sense that the Eucharist is being used by St. Paul to show the unity of the Church.

I appreciate the comments made…I obviously need to go and do a lot of thinking and studying on this still.

 

[LilyM]

Just to set the record straight…my original post was not on Eastern vs. Western practice; it was Western vs. Early Church practice. The Eastern Rite entered our discussion “via the backdoor”.

As for St. Paul’s point in 1 Cor 11 about discerning the Lord’s Body…it seems to me that in the context, St. Paul’s primary concern is regarding a right judging of the unity of the Church, rather than an introspective understanding of the Eucharist. This is reinforced when comparing verses 29 and 31 where the same Greek word for “discern” and “judge” is used. In light of 1 Cor 10:17, the Eucharist could also be referred to, but in the sense that the Eucharist is being used by St. Paul to show the unity of the Church.

I appreciate the comments made…I obviously need to go and do a lot of thinking and studying on this still.

You specifically mentioned the fact that Eastern Churches still practice infant communion, though - so at least inadvertently you were the one who opened up that can o’ worms.

God bless you in your study.

 

[justingrid]

I accept no responsibility for opening the can of worms although I did peer into it…ugh…

Without harping on about it, it was actually you who first brought up the “Eastern Catholics and our Orthodox brothers”…

I don’t ever recall the Latin Rite ever recommending communing infants. You may be thinking of Eastern Catholics, who along with our Orthodox brothers practice infant communion.

 

[LilyM]

I accept no responsibility for opening the can of worms although I did peer into it…ugh…

Without harping on about it, it was actually you who first brought up the “Eastern Catholics and our Orthodox brothers”…
LilyM;4371162:

I don’t ever recall the Latin Rite ever recommending communing infants. You may be thinking of Eastern Catholics, who along with our Orthodox brothers practice infant communion.

I might’ve been confusing your first post with your second or something. Mea culpa.

 

[justingrid]

LOL! No worries…

 

[fellowChristian]

Code of Canon Law

IntraText - Text

BOOK IV FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH (Cann. 834 - 848)
PART I. THE SACRAMENTS
TITLE III. THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST (Cann. 897 - 958)
CHAPTER I. THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
Art. 2. PARTICIPATION IN THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST
Previous - Next

Art. 2.

PARTICIPATION IN THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST

Can. 912 Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.

Can. 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.

§2. The Most Holy Eucharist, however, can be administered to children in danger of death if they can distinguish the body of Christ from ordinary food and receive communion reverently.

Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

I couldn’t find the Eucharist to be received by infants only in danger of death.

Code of Canon Law
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM

Anointing of the Sick
catholic.com/library/Anointing_of_the_Sick.asp

Who Can Receive Communion?
catholic.com/library/Who_Can_Receive_Communion.asp

 

[Aramis]

And from the CCEO:

Canon 710

With respect to the participation of infants in the Divine Eucharist after baptism and chrismation with holy myron, the prescriptions of the liturgical books of each Church sui iuris are to be observed with the suitable due precautions.
intratext.com/IXT/ENG1199/_PJQ.HTM

 

[Jean_Anthony]

Just to clarify, all I ask is that threads stay on topic–which in the case of Eastern and Western rites it means:

"Please don’t mention rites not under discussion. But please do start new threads if you wish to discuss another rite and/or the differences between rites–but with charity, as expected."

I’m just trying to keep everyone on track, and be fair to the OP and all those posting within threads here, folks.

 

[PJM]

I was brought up Protestant…and strongly anti-Catholic…but by God’s grace, he is beginning to open my eyes to the wonder of the one holy Catholic Church.

In my journey to a Catholic understanding, I have become convinced, that children receiving Communion is consitent with the Bible and the practice of the Church Fathers. However, in the Catholic Church, the practice seems to be rare.

This is one of the main issues (there are a few other minor issues)that is currently hindering my full cross-over to the Catholic Church.

The Council of Trent states that the receiving of the Eucharist is not necessary for salvation; yet it seems to be accepted that children in danger of death should be given the Blessed Eucharist.

Is this a contradiction? If not, what am I missing?

Reply: What a truly wonderful post! Thank You!

If you promise not to tell anyone else I will share with you that The Council of Trent, is my alltime favorite Church Council.

It is since about 1910 when Pope Pius X proclaimed and endorsed "daily reception of Holy Communion, as a GREAT practice, and Catholics kids usually receive “First Holy Communion” at the age of 7 or 8, and then when ever they atten Holy Mass and can rceive Jesus worthyly after that.

I don’t think Trent was saying that the Eucharist is not important. Indeed they proclaimed that All other Sacraments “point to the Eucharist,” which of course in Really the Glorified Body, Blood, Soul and Divinety of Jesus Himself.

Still what Trent calimed is correct. To be saved we must be Baptised with Water and In The Holy Spirit, and we must die in the “state of God’s grace.” We must also keep God’s Commandments, and RCC teachings.

Dies this answer your concerns? if not please re-post and we will be happy to share the truth of God’s Love for all of us.

God’s continued blessings
ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.

PJM m.c

 

[Genesis315]

I believe for anyone, young and old, Viaticum (communion when in danger od death) is to strengthen one during the “transition” so to speak.